I find this story so intriguing that I'm dying to see other's opinions on it. In the newsthis morning:

A family of 6 were locked inside a Houston, TX seafood restaurant for refusingto pay the 17% gratuity. It is plainly stated on the menu that for parties of5 or over, an automatic gratuity of 17% will be added to the total bill. Thediners, however, stated that the service had been less than satisfactoryand wanted to leave their own idea of a fair tip. The restaurant (La Fisherman),refused, the doors were locked by the staff, and the police were called.The diners eventually paid the gratuity and were allowed to leave. Amongtheir complaints about the service were that the staff was rude, their drinksweren't refilled, and mistakes were made on their order.

My own opinion is.....my Lord, kidnapping is now going to be a part of the dining experience? I am all for giving fair and even more than fair tips forgood service and will even leave more than the recommended amount forservice that leaves me disappointed but locking them in? What about theother diners, were they allowed to leave while this was going on? I believethe restaurant went too far and should have just barred them from evereating there again. But I'm sure others will feel differently.

I know many eating places try this tact, however, I have never seen it pulled on party's as small as 5 - most normally I see it applied to parties of 8 or more (which cause the place to put multiple tables together to seat the party).

17% sounds high for a 'mandated' tip - I mostly see 15% when it is stated.

From the actions identified in the story - it sound like there was a whole lot of acrimony taking place during the 'meal' and both sides decided to 'mark their territory'. Childish behavior on both sides!

The restaurant had the right to call the police, but not to hold the customers like that. The people were willing to pay, it's not as if they were trying to get a free meal. Also the mandatory gratuity for a party of 5 is a little ridiculous.

This post has been edited by harum-scarum: May 3 2012, 12:19 PM

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"Curiouser and curiouser!"Kiss me baby I am SnowWhite sleeping in a coffin, waiting for you.

I believe in abiding by the rules. I tend to read fine print (and I realize that gets on people's last nerves) and if I don't agree with what I read as a company's policy (even a restaurant), I take my business elsewhere.

While I believe this policy is truly absurd, it is their policy. If you want an exception to a rule, then ask before engaging. I understand the family's view, but they chose to go to this place to eat so the rule is the rule.

Regarding locking them in the restaurant, I believe that is most likely against the law. This isn't the old west. The manager should have gotten their license plate after they left and contacted the police - that simple.

I believe there are some important issues in this story that have been left out. Seems like both sides were very hostile towards each other. There are typically 3 sides to every story: Side 1; Side 2; and the Truth.

This post has been edited by Maw: May 3 2012, 12:53 PM

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Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body.

Rather it should be to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand and the Good Book in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO what a ride!"